Judge postpones James Comey seashells prosecution until early 2027

A federal judge in New Bern, North Carolina, has postponed the arraignment of former FBI Director James Comey, moving it to January and indicating that the trial will not begin until early 2027. Judge Louise Flanagan cited the seriousness of the charges, numerous pending motions, and the need for defense counsel to have additional preparation time. The prosecution contends that a Instagram photo posted by Comey, showing seashells arranged to read “8647,” constitutes a threat to the President, interpreting the numbers as coded language.

Comey’s legal team argues the case is driven by Donald Trump’s animus and has filed multiple motions to dismiss, also questioning the impartiality of a key witness who is an estranged associate. The original lead prosecutor, rookie federal attorney Matthew Petracca, withdrew from the case in May, leaving the prosecution to reorganize. No plea has been entered, and the judge has not yet scheduled a trial date.